Foreign teams participating in the AFC U-16 Championship have vowed to play positive but competitive game to entertain the spectators. They have also expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements made by the organizers for the international sports event at the Punjab Stadium.

In their first interaction with media at the Conference Hall of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) here on Tuesday they all thanked the Federation and the Organizing Committee for making excellent arrangements for the Event. “We are glad to be here in the historic city of Lahore and are looking forward to get feeling of their warm hospitality. We are also thankful to PFF, Sports Board Punjab and the media for their excellent arrangements,” said Mostafa Ghanbar Pour Head Coach of the Iranian team. He said all teams participating in the Event were equal and the spectators would enjoy competitive football in the forthcoming matches. Mostafa said his team will play in the best spirit of sportsmanship and hoped that his boys would give their best performance to qualify for the finals in Thailand next year.

The United Arab Emirates Coach Badir Ahmed Abdalla Saleh also thanked the organizers for making good arrangements for the Event. He said that his team had to face tough opponents in the Championship and added that Iranian team would be the toughest. Badir hoped that his team had recently won Gulf Cup and were in high spirit to win the Championship as well.

The Coach of Sri Lankan team Wijesekara Nimal said his team had made good preparation for the Event. He said his team’s defense line was strong and they also expected brilliant performance from their goalkeeper. He said the weather conditions in Lahore were identical to those back in Sri Lanka and his team felt no problem in adjusting with them. The Sri Lankan coach, however, admitted that Iran was the strongest team in the Event.

Pakistan Coach Sajjad Mehmood vowed to put up excellent performance before the home crowd and said said his boys had undergone tough training to win the Qualifying round. He said only Iran would be the toughest opponent in the Championship. He hoped that the Championship would provide a chance to the upcoming youngsters to groom themselves for the big international events. Captain Rajab Ali also resolved to play good game in the Championship.